Castle House Kennels LLC

Two main programs: Obedience Training (teaches sit, stay, come, heel, leave it, off, kennel/place, with off-leash work and collar conditioning) and Gundog/Retriever Training (includes all obedience skills plus hold conditioning, delivery to hand, steady to gun, blind retrieves, casting, and bird introduction). Both include mandatory owner/dog sessions. AKC/UKC Hunt Test preparation is offered for dogs that complete basic retriever training, with advanced field training at remote locations. Training is tailored to each dog’s personality and progress.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to call or text for customized quotes based on program selection and dog needs. No contracts required.

Policies

No contracts required. Visits are strongly encouraged. Owner participation is mandatory during scheduled sessions. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

Castle House Kennels LLC is a professional dog training facility located near Hartselle, AL, specializing in obedience training and retriever/gundog training for hunting and competition. Owned and operated by APDT-certified trainer Colter Lee Thompson, the kennel offers intensive board-and-train programs with mandatory owner involvement sessions to ensure long-term success. The facility features a 2,500 sq ft indoor/outdoor kennel with natural gas heating, summer ventilation, private runs for each dog, grooming areas, and a septic system for hygiene. With over 10 acres of land and multiple training ponds, plus remote training locations, the kennel provides extensive real-world training environments. They focus on sequential training methods, adapt to each dog’s personality, and emphasize LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles. Owners are encouraged to visit and participate in training sessions. The kennel also breeds high-performance Golden Retrievers from champion bloodlines, including Zeus and Tula, with full health clearances.

In addition to training, they offer pet boarding, grooming, and transportation via a dedicated dog trailer. They are members of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and support AKC and UKC/HRC hunt test preparation.

Their training programs are designed for families, hunters, and competitors, with no contracts required and a strong emphasis on individualized care and progress tracking.

Accomplishments

Trainer Colter Lee Thompson has trained dogs to AKC and UKC/HRC Champion levels (HRCH, SHR, HR, SH titles). Sire Zeus and dam Tula hold multiple hunt test titles and are actively campaigning for Master Hunter and International Grand titles. Trainer is APDT-certified and follows LIMA principles. Dogs trained have earned competitive titles and are successfully integrated into family and hunting roles.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call or text to discuss training goals. An initial consultation is offered to assess the dog’s needs and plan a customized program. Owners are invited to visit the facility and meet the trainer before committing.